The biggest school in the Town of Taber has a new athletic director within its walls.
Krista Richert has taken over from Sam Bennett, and has already got to enjoy a resurgence in one of its programs.
“We now have a great boys volleyball program having both JV and senior. I think we are going to be really strong in volleyball,” said Richert. “It’s kind of nice. We had 25 kids come out and we were expecting maybe 10, so it was a shock. It was great.”
Richert is in her third year at W.R. Myers teaching physical education for all grades at the school, and felt the time was right in taking on the responsibility from Bennett, who was looking for an heir to the throne of athletic director at the school.
“It was the next step in my career. I am a new teacher, but I’ve been here for two years as phys ed department head and I think it was a natural transition, and Sam was looking to step down,” said Richert.
Athletics and an active lifestyle has always been close to Richert’s heart, having competed in many high school athletics herself.
“I didn’t play university sports, but played intermurals and rec leagues and in high school my life was high school sports,” said Richert.
“It is important for me as an athletic director that we have kids involved and give them an outlet and an opportunity to be successful. If we have that superstar that comes every five years that’s amazing, but right now we are focused on building that Rebel culture and getting kids involved.”
W.R. Myers is bustling with athletic activity to start the school year with football, volleyball, cross-country and golf programs in full swing.
“Basically, we just want people to come out and support our student athletes. We are a small community, but we need to be there for each other with Rebel pride. If you’re an alumni, come out and support it,” said Richert.